No Time for All the Things

Ever…

No time for all the things. It’s a common problem for artists everywhere. As creative beings, we are naturally curious about…well, just about everything. We’re also extremely curious about, not to mention inspired by what other artists are doing. It leads to us wanting to start dozens of projects or experiment with different media or techniques. The problem is, there never seems to never be enough time to do it all, especially if you’re a working artist. You have commissions (usually with deadlines), which means income. And while you’re working on that project, you’re hustling for the next one, which you’ll start promptly when the current one is complete. There’s just no time. There’s never any time. So, what’s an artist to do?

(Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Vladimir Mucibabic)

Commissions, or other such obligations and commitments, are important, as is your reputation if you fail to deliver. The money that comes with those projects is equally important. But it’s also incredibly important to fit in fun projects and experimentation. Art for the sake of art. Art for the sake of you. It’s where we as artists thrive and grow. It’s just as important as taking enough time in your day to eat properly, exercise, shower and brush your teeth (hopefully), and get enough sleep.

But isn’t doing artwork for a living doing what you love? Shouldn’t that be enough? Well, that’s true, but there is still a big difference between doing what you love for others versus doing what you love purely for your own enjoyment. Doing what you love for work is fantastic if you’re able to earn enough to survive comfortably. I believe it was Winston Churchill who is quoted as saying, “If you find a job that you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.” I believe that to be true, but let’s face it…you’re still doing that work because someone asked you to and is paying you for it. It might not be what you want to create or what you would create if left to your own devices.

Just as important as eating, exercising, proper hygiene, and getting enough sleep, making sure you do things purely for recreation, is crucial for your mental health and wellbeing. Let me explain with another quote by James Howell, which you’re probably very familiar with… “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” In other words, even if you’re doing what you love for work, you have to take time to do some artwork for yourself. Doing so helps you to reset and refresh. It works wonders in keeping your artwork fresh and in helping you to avoid burnout. And let’s face it, just thinking that you have no time for all the things you’re curious about can be really depressing.

Isn’t it about time that you do something fun just for you? (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Sergejs Rahunoks)

So, yes! I’m saying schedule time to do artwork for you. Take that time to play and experiment with art. Take that time to refresh and remember all of the reasons why you love art. If you have a hard time coming to terms with not working twenty-four seven, then consider this playtime research. Whatever you learn as you experiment will inevitably come in handy with your commissions.

This “research time” can include all of those projects you’ve wanted to do but didn’t have time for. It can include experimenting with new media and techniques or what you’ve seen other artists do and wanted to try for yourself. It can also include simply taking a sketchbook to the park, zoo, museum, or maybe just a coffee shop. And it doesn’t have to be a daily thing or even a weekly thing. Try scheduling an hour or two every other weekend to just go and do your “research.”

However you manage to work it in, do it. Your mind, your creativity, and your soul will thank you.